Mali strengthens higher education partnerships at global summit

The Mali delegation, led by Dr. Mamadou Koumaré, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Management of Bamako and coordinator of the UNESCO-ICHEI partnership for Malian higher education institutions, actively participated in the World Summit on the Future of Higher Education held on June 6, 2026, at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China.

This high-level gathering brought together policymakers, international organizations, university leaders, and leading tech industry representatives to discuss the future of higher education amid rapid technological advancements.

The summit focused on reshaping the relationship between higher education and the tech industry to create a new ecosystem for talent development and skill enhancement. Key priorities included:

• Innovative training programs leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) across sectors such as agriculture, commerce, education, and natural sciences;
• Showcasing cutting-edge technological initiatives that demonstrate best practices in digital education;
• Strengthening the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) network through a global report and partnerships;
• Facilitating collaboration between tech companies and universities to co-develop AI-driven talent programs;
• Encouraging curriculum innovation, practical skill development, and lifelong learning frameworks.

During the event, Dr. Koumaré highlighted Mali’s recent strides in integrating AI and digital tools into higher education. He noted that three Malian institutions—the University of Kurukanfuga of Bamako, the University of Social Sciences and Management of Bamako, and the University Pedagogical Institute—have formalized partnerships with UNESCO-ICHEI to advance digital education and AI applications in academia.

The summit concluded with a renewed commitment from UNESCO to support Mali’s higher education sector, particularly in building human, technical, and technological capacities. This aligns with broader efforts to enhance educational equity and quality across West Africa.